Tina the cicada perched atop a smooth stone, her iridescent wings shimmering as she prepared to sing her heart out. The garden was abuzz with excitement—snails, butterflies, ants, and ladybugs all gathered around, forming a semicircle. As Tina’s first note soared, the crowd was instantly captivated, her melody weaving through the leaves and petals like a silken ribbon.
Sammy the snail inched closer, his eyes wide with admiration. "Tina, you sing very good! Your voice makes the whole garden feel alive, like the morning sun after a long rain." Beside him, Bella the butterfly hovered, her wings a mosaic of blues and purples. "I'm your number one fan, Tina! When you sing, I feel like I could fly all the way to the clouds."
Tina sighed, her song trailing off as she watched the dragonflies loop and spin effortlessly in the air. "Will I ever be able to move this rock-hard body of mine? Well, I don't think so! I can sing, but dancing… that feels like a wish too far." Her voice was tinged with longing, her wings drooping ever so slightly.
Lola the dragonfly, graceful and confident, landed with a gentle flutter. Her eyes sparkled with determination as she leaned in close. "I think I can help you, Tina! Sometimes, all you need is someone to show you a new rhythm. Why don’t we try switching what we do best—I'll sing, and you dance! Who says a cicada can’t move to the music?"
Lola patiently guided Tina, encouraging her to sway, hop, and shuffle in time with the music. At first, Tina’s movements were stiff, but with each attempt, she found herself loosening up, her body remembering the joy of being free. Meanwhile, Lola’s voice, light and melodic, filled the garden, surprising everyone with its gentle beauty.
Tina took her place center stage, her legs tapping and wings catching the lantern-light as she danced with newfound confidence. Lola sang beside her, her song twining through Tina’s movements like a breeze through grass. The garden erupted with applause—petals rained down as the animals cheered. For the first time, Tina felt weightless, her joy as bright as the stars overhead.
Sammy the snail and Bella the butterfly rushed forward, voices bubbling with excitement. "Tina, you really can dance! I’ve never seen anyone move like that before," Sammy exclaimed. "And Lola, your singing was magical! You both brought something new and wonderful to the garden," Bella added. Tina beamed, her worries forgotten, as the celebration carried on long into the night.
